About Purnima Upavas:
Purnima is associated with a significant festival. Therefore, Purnima marks twelve special occasions and festivals around the year. On the full moon day, the bright and full moon symbolises the removal of darkness and the effulgence of intelligence. It symbolically represents illumination. Purnima is the symbol of abundance, fullness, and prosperity. Pujas conducted on Purnima day confers great merits to the devotees. Hence, Satyanarayan Puja is performed on this day. Many gods such as Subrahmanya, Dattatreya and Buddha took birth on the Purnima day. The first incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Matsyavatar was incarnated on Purnima day.
Significance of Purnima Upavas:
As per the modern science, on Purnima day, the gravitational forces of the earth are the maximum. It has a highly positive effect on humans. It provides stability of the various metabolic processes, enhanced energy, reduction in gastric problems and balance between the body and mind. Fasting is a scientific process. Especially observing a fast on Purnima day can have several positive effects on the body and mind. The mind and body get an opportunity to relax through fasting. Combined with the worship and prayers, Purnima Upavas refreshes and recharges the whole of the human system and bestows prosperity and happiness.
Legend:
A Full Moon occurs when the Sun and Moon are separated by 180 degrees. On a Full Moon day, the Moon casts its radiance on earth throughout the day. It helps to dissolve the negative karma of past lives and help to change one`s destiny. It strengthens the positive energies through observances of prayer, meditation, recitation, and fasting.
Purnima day is auspicious to undertake new initiatives. Prayers and fasting are observed to gain the grace of Mother Goddess. Lord Satyanarayana puja is conducted on Full Moon day. Fasting is observed from sunrise to sunset. The food is consumed after sighting of the Full Moon on Purnima day. Ghee lamps are lit in the temples or at home after viewing the Full Moon. Purnima day is spent on spiritual development. Lamps are floated in holy rivers and ponds.
Rituals/ Celebrations:
Devotees take a holy dip in a sacred river before sunrise. The devotee must bathe before the sunrise, wear clean clothes and observe a fast from morning to night. However, one can consume food once in a day without salt, rice, wheat, cereals or pulses. Devotees must not eat anything except for fruits and milk during the day. Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are worshipped. Offer flowers, fruits, sweet milk pudding or rice pudding to deities and lit a lamp. Satya Narayana Puja is performed. There are no special puja rituals for Purnima. In the evening the devotee has a vision of the full moon and offers the prayers to the moon god. Following this, Prasad is consumed. Purnima day is an appropriate time to pray for ancestors. Sanskrit mantras from Lalitha Sahasranama can be recited on this day to earn immense merit. Kumkum is offered while mantras are recited since it is a symbol of auspiciousness. After the prayers, arati is performed to receive the blessings. On this day, charity is done by feeding or gifting clothes to the needy. Purnima fast will bless one with wealth, health, abundance and longevity.